The last days of winter can be tough. Even as we scan the ground for crocuses, obsessive in anticipation of spring, any sign of spring, we’re often still wearing hefty sweaters and gloves.

After checking every forsythia limb in my yard for buds and peering into every treetop for swallows, I often go back inside shivering. I light my fireplace and look for something warm to drink. Well, not just warm. Boiled lettuce water is warm. I mean cozy, a beverage that soothes not only my body but also my soul, one that gets me through winter’s final throes.

As luck would have it, we recently discovered a new craftsperson who specializes in cozy. Katie-lynn McDonald, who founded Full Moon Tea Company in Asheville, North Carolina, is a former pastry chef who’s always been passionate about what she calls “flirty flavors,” unlikely combos that tantalize the senses.

Katie nailed it with this recipe, which marries the smoky warmth of her signature Smoky Mountains Cowboy Chai Tea with unlikely ingredients like orange juice, a piquant yet sweet counterpoint that brightens each sip and, for me, foreshadows the coming spring. Katie’s unlikely flavor combo gives these seemingly endless late-winter days a bit of zip, and with mug after mug of it in my hands, I just might make it through to April. 

Ingredients

1 teaspoon Smoky Mountains Cowboy Chai blend (lapsang souchong, assam, cinnamon, ginger, green cardamom, cloves, star anise, and black pepper)

1 cup water

1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, adjust to your sweetness preference)

1/4 cup fresh orange juice (adds a zesty contrast to the deep spices)

1-2 slices of fresh orange (for garnish)

1 cinnamon stick (for garnish)

A pinch of smoked sea salt (optional, for an extra touch of smokiness)

Instructions

Boil the Tea: Start by bringing 1 cup of water to a boil in a small saucepan. Once boiling, add your Smoky Mountains Cowboy Chai blend. Let the tea simmer for about 5-7 minutes, depending on how strong you like your brew. The longer it steeps, the more intense the smoky and spicy flavors will be.

Strain and Sweeten: After steeping, strain the tea into your favorite mug. Stir in honey or maple syrup to taste, depending on how sweet you want your drink.

Add Orange Juice: Pour in 1/4 cup of fresh orange juice. The citrus helps brighten the drink, cutting through the richness of the spices and creating a refreshing balance with the smoky flavor.

Garnish and Serve: Garnish your drink with a slice of fresh orange and a cinnamon stick. This adds a beautiful touch of color, aroma, and even more spice to your drink. For an extra layer of flavor, consider sprinkling a tiny pinch of smoked sea salt on top. This subtle touch enhances the smokiness and adds a unique twist to the brew.

Enjoy: Now, take a moment to savor the layers of smoky, spicy, and citrusy goodness in your warm cup. It’s the perfect beverage to enjoy while unwinding after a long day or sharing with friends during a cozy gathering.